Stop by Anneville Jewelry Lab on the First Friday in August (8/2/19) to browse beautiful cabochons and explore the world of semi-precious gemstones with master lapidarist Michael Hendrix of Minarex. Michael cuts each stone by hand in his San Diego County studio. Each creation is unique, like a miniature painting full of nature's colors and textures, ready to be part of a unique jewelry creation. Not a jeweler? No worries - our jewelers will be on hand to discuss a custom commission to set your newfound gem. Or even better, you can take one of our upcoming classes and learn to set it yourself!​ 

Then head over to Anneville Studio to meet steel and gold artist Bette Barnett! She'll will have an array of work on display and be discussing her fascinating Keum Boo technique and more. ​First Friday is a fun, family-friendly event that happens every month. Come explore the fabulous new Liberty Public Market, stroll through shops and visit working artist studios to see what's new - all for FREE. Anneville is just one of over 80 artist studios, galleries, museums and other art destinations open for this monthly event. With a dozen fabulous restaurants within walking distance, it makes a great evening out. And, we've got free parking! Hope to see you soon. More info about Friday Night Liberty can be found at NTC at Liberty Station. Get directions.

Our July #FirstFriday #ShopAndSwap#OpenStudio was a big success! We had about 75 visitors come through to enjoy browsing our Maker's Rummage Sale (which extended out into the hallway), watching @alexandrahartmfa doing her fascinating #anticlasticraising demos and @paparon1943 demonstrating his #FrenchMarquetry work. We also had Abby selling her beautiful #cabochons, Susan with cabochons and lots more, and generous donations of goodies by Karen F. and Karen R. So far we’ve raised almost $300 for #JewishFamilyServices in support of the Downtown Migrant Shelter - and we’re not done yet! (More on that in the next post). Super-duper big thanks to the wonderful Joanne & Herb Hein @joannehein and @growinggreeninteractions for their fabulous set up, cashiering and MC Services! And now for the winners of our JFS fundraiser raffle ....

We had a wonderful turnout for our first Anneville Jewelry Lab Student Sale on Friday, June 7th. We were blessed with good weather and (thanks to Anne's swift action) a great location on a patio right near the Jewelry Lab. Our student artists created appealing displays of their own items and then worked together to quickly create an inviting, u-shaped exhibit that well represented the Lab as an organization. We were a bit concerned by the late-breaking detail that we'd have no electricity (gah!) but we gathered up our camping lights and bravely continued. Meanwhile, up in the Lab, Anne did some mokume gane patterning demos and we had a great time seeing old friends and meeting new ones. ​We were thrilled by a visit from our new instructor, Alexandra Hart as well as our dear friend Helen Shirk (each accompanied by their handsome beaus). It was great to see students from the lab and different classes coming together to meet for the first time. I'm so impressed by how much work and thoughtfulness everyone put in to making this event a success. Be sure to view our fun photos.  

Pendant by Alyssa Ihle, pendant by Cindy McQuade, Mokume gane rings by Karen Rood and Karen working on a square wire bracelet in The Lab. Click any image for a larger view.